Kentucky International Convention Center

August 26-28, 2019

Louisville, Kentucky

THE EVENT

Connect Tour powered by Connect Travel is a domestic travel show, specifically designed to address industry needs. The event combines the right timing, a unique format that creates an efficient and effective environment to expedite the sales process and close business and a robust educational track to inspire and inform industry leaders in a rapidly evolving market. Connect Tour is the premier hosted-buyer event that brings together the most active tour operators, suppliers and experts in Domestic tour and travel for preset appointments, keynote general sessions, planner/supplier roundtables and quality networking.

THE LOCATION

The Galt House Hotel boasts more than 1,200 guest rooms and suites. The Galt House Hotel has an expert staff with a professional attitude and personable manner. With seven restaurants and lounges, including RIVUE Restaurant & Lounge®, the only restaurant in the world with twin revolving floors, offering guests 360 degree views of downtown and the Ohio River from 25 stories above the city. RIVUE is not to be outdone by the spectacular views at the rooftop fitness center. The hotel is known for hosting national conventions in a city that is anything but conventional. Family owned and operated, the Galt House Hotel’s name has long been associated with gracious hospitality and a unique southern flair amongst hotels in Louisville, Kentucky and the southwest region. The one thing the Galt House Hotel cannot be called is boring. Why stay at a chain when you can stay local? At the Galt House Hotel, you can get away from it all, and be in the middle of it all, at the same time. Book your room here by August 5.

HOW IT WORKS

Meet with tour operators and suppliers within the industry in a fun and social atmosphere while building key relationships.

Learn From Experts

Enjoy in-depth sessions about relevant topics led by industry experts.

Unwind and Mingle

Build relationships while the networking continues at our entertaining and interactive receptions.

Stand Out

Sponsorships are the perfect way to increase visibility of your service, venue or destination while attending Connect. Engage with attendees on a deeper level and leave a lasting impression that will grow your group business. Contact sales@connecttravel.com for more information!

AGENDA OVERVIEW

Monday, August 26

Noon – 5 p.m.

Regiception

1 – 5 p.m.

New Technology Expo

5 – 6 p.m.

Keynote Speaker, John Cena

7 – 9 p.m.

Opening Reception

Tuesday, August 27

9 a.m.

Trade Show Opens

9 – 10 a.m.

Education in Trade Show

10:30 a.m. – Noon

Marketplace Appointments

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch in the Trade Show

2 – 3 p.m.

Education in the Trade Show

3:30 – 5 p.m.

Marketplace Appointments

4 – 5 p.m.

Happy Hour

5:30 p.m.

Keynote Entertainment

Wednesday, August 28

9 a.m.

Trade Show Opens

9 – 10 a.m.

Education in the Trade Show

10:30 a.m. – Noon

Marketplace Appointments

Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Lunch in the Trade Show

3:30 – 5 p.m.

Marketplace Appointments

4 – 5 p.m.

Happy Hour

5:30 p.m.

Keynote Entertainment

SPEAKERS

John Cena

John Cena devotes much of his time working on behalf of numerous charitable causes. He is Make-A-Wish’s most requested wish granter of all time and the only celebrity to grant 500 wishes. He is also committed to Susan G. Komen and has helped raise more than $1.6 million for breast cancer research and awareness. Cena is a longtime supporter of the U.S. military and was recently recognized by USO Metro as the recipient of their 2016 Legacy of Achievement Award.

In addition to his work in the community, Cena is a powerhouse on social media with 45 million Facebook fans, making him the most popular active U.S. athlete on Facebook. He is also one of the most followed athletes on Twitter and Instagram with 10 and 7.4 million followers, respectively.

Cena has proven himself to be a powerful marketing force. He is the face of Crocs’ “Come As You Are” campaign that celebrates the uniqueness of individuals around the world. He is the voice of “Ernie the Elephant” for Wonderful Pistachios’ biggest advertising campaign and he stars in Hefty’s national campaign. He is an ambassador for Cricket Wireless and his video, “The Unexpected John Cena Prank,” has been viewed more than 17 million times. The follow up video, “John Cena Reacts,” had more than 100 million views on Facebook alone in the first week. John is also a brand ambassador for Tapout, the official fitness and training partner of World Wrestling Entertainment.

Among the films Cena has starred in: “The Wall;” “The Pact;” “Trainwreck;” “Sisters” and a cameo in “Daddy’s Home,” starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. He will reprise his role in the upcoming “Daddy’s Home 2.” This Christmas, John will voice the title role of “Ferdinand the Bull” in “Ferdinand,” the animated film based on the iconic children’s book. He also will star as the antagonist in the Transformer’s spinoff, “Bumblebee.” In 2018, Cena was honored as “Action Star of the Year” at this year’s CinemaCon

As the face of the WWE and a 16-time world champion, John Cena combines his athleticism, charisma, strong work ethic and genuine personality to make him one of today’s brightest stars.

MichaelPhelps is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He captured 28 medals, including a record-setting 23 gold medals, and set 39 world records over the course of his career. Phelps utilized his performance bonus for winning eight gold medals in 2008 to establish the Michael Phelps Foundation, whichpromotes water safety, healthy living, and the pursuit of dreams. The Foundation’s signature program –im– isa learn to swim, healthy living and goal-setting curriculumbased on the principles and tools Phelps utilized in his swimming career, which is availablethrough the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics International. The most decorated swimmer in World Championships history,Phelps launched the competitive swimwear brand – MP – in partnership with Aqua Sphere in 2014. He has published two autobiographies – No Limits: The Will to Success and Beneath the Surface – that were New York Times and USA Today best sellers, as well as published one children’s book – How to Train with a T-Rex and Win Eight Gold Medals.